Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Bishop's Culinary Guide To Urban Nevada

2nd and 3rd Century Gnosticism taught that the creation was the fall. Material reality is bad; hence, food and all sensual delights are to be rejected in favor of more spiritual endeavors. St. Irenaeus of Lyons was the great defender of orthodox faith, insisting on the goodness of God's creation, the sanctity of human life taken on bodily by Our Lord, and the holiness intrinsic in ordinary experience.

Gnosticism is all the rage again. Cf. Elaine Pagels and the Nag Hammadi enthusiasts. Perhaps we need a theologian like Irenaeus to defend the orthodox faith again. We don't have one, but we have something better -- the Wild River Grill in Reno. Specifically, their seared scallops appetizer is by far the best thing I have ever tasted. To eat just one of those scallops is ot know that creation was a splendid idea.

But one cannot eat such a delicacy on a regular basis. For day to day sustenance, there is Tropical Smoothie in Las Vegas, tucked discreetly into the shoppoing center on the corner of Pecos and Russell. A number of life boosters are afforded there. My personal favorite: the buffalo chicken wrap. Warning: it is spicy! Your mouth will know something has been there long after it has gone. But at least of an ex-Texan fond of heat in food, this sandwich is delicious and perfectly balanced by a barely ripe banana on the side.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Closer to the Episcopal Offices is a suishi house owned and operated by South Koreans - across South Maryland Parkway from the UNLV main campus in proximity to University Station of the US Postal Service.

Matthew said...

Adele's in Carson City has some good food.

I am also a sucker for the Basque restaurants in Elko. Nevada Dinner House and the Star Hotel (not a hotel) have good basque food. If you drink, their Picon Punch is worth a try.

Anonymous said...

When CDSP I took systematic theology with the Jesuits, and in one class the professor asked: "Why did God make us?"

Many earnest replies attempted to answer the question, and finally the professor smiled and said, "yes yes, that's all well and good - but the real reason God made us is because He thought we might enjoy it."

I hope I never forget that little exchange.